Masseter Muscle Reduction

Q: Dr. Eppley, I was wondering if you perform masseter muscle removal? And if it is a high risk surgery? Thank you! 

A: The proper term for what you seek is…masseter muscle reduction. Complete removal of the masseter muscle is both impossible as well as would create severe masticatory and jaw movement dysfunction. Masseter muscle reduction can be done by either chemodenervation injections (Botox) or surgical electrocautery. Botox injections can be vert effective but usually have to be repeated for a sustained reductive effect. Electrocautery is a surgical procedure done from an incision inside the mouth. The muscle is raised up off the jawbone and the inner surface of the muscle is treated by electrocautery to create a muscle injury and subsequent atrophy for a more permanent effect. The use of electrocautery for masseter muscle reduction is relatively new but employs an old concept for tissue destruction by using electrical currents.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana